Its not just a GIRLIE Problem

Although fewer men than women suffer from eating disorders, a new research indicates that the number of men with anorexia or bulimia is much higher than previously believed. Despite this, men, whose treatment needs are the same as those of women, do not seek help and, therefore, do not get adequate treatment. Eating disorders have been seen largely as an issue affecting women, and because of that, I believe men have been far less likely to identify themselves as affected by it or to actually seek out treatment. However it is estimated that approximately 10% of men suffer from eating disorder. Daniel Johns, is of the men who suffered from an eating disorder. One of the most influential performing artists from Australia Johns, has openly spoke about his battle with anorexia he went through during his teenage years. In fact he wrote and recorded the song “Ana’s Song” with his rock band Silverchair highlighting his battle with anorexia. Interestingly enough a woman was cast to play the role of the victim suffering from the eating disorder in the music video however she weighed more than Johns himself .In June of 2004 johns appeared on ABC TV's ' Enough Rope' with Andrew Denton to discuss his struggle with anorexia and depression. "I have a theory because I was being beaten up a lot by people outside of school, it was almost like if I could make myself sick enough they'd take sympathy on me." Johns said during the interview. This sense of trying to gain control in a specific situation reminds me of a section from the Chrisler article we discussed for class called “Out of Control and Eating Disorders” saying “In other words, anorexia can be seen as a desperate attempt by the powerless to gain some control and influence (p.142)”. Starving yourself or deliberately making yourself sick is indeed a desperate attempt to try to gain control over you life. However these attempts decreased and by 2002, Johns appeared to have underwent treatment and was on the road to recovery from his internal trauma. However, shortly after his recovery Johns was struck down by a severe and rare case of reactive arthritis. His joints became inflamed and locked up, with any movement being painful, so that he could no longer play guitar or do everyday things.

Often times Men who participate in low-weight oriented sports such as jockeys, wrestlers and runners are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. The pressure to succeed, to be the best, to be competitive and to win at all costs, combined with any non-athletic pressures in their lives such as relationship issues, family problems, or abuse, can help to contribute the onset of their disordered eating. Psychiatrist Arnold Andersen, director of the eating disorders program at the University of Iowa and a widely recognized expert on male eating problems, said he has treated teenagers who developed bulimia or anorexia after failing to make a sports team where weight is paramount, such as wrestling.

On the flip side of eating disorders comes binge eating or compulsive overeating. It is characterized by uncontrollable eating followed by feelings of guilt and shame. It is different from bulimia in that it does not involve any purging. While it inevitably results in weight gain, it is also not to be confused with obesity (but can cause it). Not everyone who is overweight has an eating disorder. In today's society, compulsive overeating is not yet taken seriously enough. Instead of being treated for the serious problem they have, they are instead directed to diet centers and health spas. The comedian Chris Farley reportedly suffered from compulsive overeating. He died December 18, 1997, at age 33. The cause of death was due to a drug overdose. Farley's death seems to be a consequence of his life-long struggle with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as compulsive overeating. Like anorexia and bulimia, compulsive overeating is a serious problem and can result in death. With the proper treatment, which should include therapy, medical and nutritional counseling, it can be overcome.